Simple Faith for Every Season

Have you ever experienced it—struggles that seemed overwhelming, waves of change that never stopped, setbacks to goals you met, or chasing everything and savoring nothing? Welcome to the seasons of life: winter, spring, summer, and fall! I’m a proud resident of New England. God has gifted us with these four unique and beautiful seasons: the pristine snowy season of winter; the rich, bright colors of spring; the lazy, warm days of summer; and the intense golden colors of fall. My husband and I have discussed the possibility of moving out of New England—someplace warmer during the winter months or a place where it feels like spring all year-round. But I cannot wrap my head around missing the visual wonder of seasonal changes I enjoy so much. How can I give up any one of these miraculous variations? As one who thoroughly enjoys each of these seasons, I correlate the natural cycles around me to the difficulties of our daily lives. The winter, spring, summer, and fall of living can be colorful, cold, exciting, and dark. In nature’s cycles, God gives us incredible lessons on how to adjust and cope. I ask you to come on this journey through the life seasons of faith with me! Winter: The winter season can bring frigid days, icy roads, piles of snow, and the darkest of days. In our lives, the winter season can bring trials and tribulations. It may seem as if the light of day is far away. Despair can easily replace hope during the winter season of our lives. Despite the winter darkness, God provides light for us to continue life’s journey, gifting us with hope, as only He can. Spring: Hints of green show up in every aspect of spring. From the awakening grass to sprouting crocuses in splendid colors, the change of the season brings newness. Spring season brings us change and newness as well. Growth can be difficult. Walk beside me during the spring season, discovering that newness abounds in wonderful ways through the challenges of change. Hope can spring forth in God! Summer: The relaxing days of the summer season can find us complacent. Warm days offer a chance to sit back and relax. Stroll with me as we enter these lazy days. Let us explore the opportunity to sustain the growth we made in the spring season. This stroll teaches us peace, the peace that lasts a lifetime and is only available through God! Autumn: The beauty of autumn in New England brings visitors throughout the world; they converge on our region with awe and wonder. As the leaves morph from green to fiery red, yellow, and orange, people reflect on the transformation of such beauty. Wander along with me, pondering this season of our lives with a sense of gratitude and humility. While each of these seasons in our lives can find us searching for hope and longing for peace, they can also bring immense teaching. Let us enter this journey together, understanding that while each of the seasons can bring pain, bleakness, and depression, they can also bring us hope and peace in discovering God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)